Lower Kootenay Band chief is Creston library’s next living book

As part of its celebrations to recognize National Aboriginal Day, the Creston and District Public Library features Lower Kootenay Band Chief Jason Louie as a living book on June 22.

By way of introduction, Louie’s Ktunaxa (too-NA-ha) name is Kakin Tawu. He was born and raised in the beautiful Creston Valley. His education background is in the health field as a long-term care aide, as well as a diploma in aboriginal governance and management. Louie instructs the Ktunaxa language and is a member of the British Columbia College of Teachers. From 2004-2012, he served this great country as a reservist in the Canadian Forces, holding the rank of lieutenant. He is a husband to his partner, Angie Louie, and has three beautiful daughters, Misty, Alisha and Jaylin.

In August 2012, Louie received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In March, he received the 2013 BC Community Achievement Award for his excellent work in establishing relationships between the Lower Kootenay Band and key agencies in the Creston Valley, such as the RCMP, mayor and town council, and the College of the Rockies, to name a few. He openly built bridges that share the Ktunaxa culture and history. And, in this way, he has created the awareness and knowledge that makes these relationships thrive. At the same time, in his First Nations community, he is engaging the young people in preserving their language, culture and traditions.

The Creston library’s Living Books speaker series is a way for community members to learn from each other. Living books are real people, your friends and neighbours, volunteering to share aspects of their own story. Through living books, the library seeks to encourage the sharing of knowledge and passion between people. Each month the library hosts a get-together where a member of your community shares their personal experiences. Topics are varied, from art to travel to local history to coping with loss, and everything in between. Attendees of the speaker series learn more about the people in their community and their diverse backgrounds and expertise.

Hear Chief Jason Louie at 1:30 p.m. June 22 at the library. Admission is free. For more information on the Living Books speaker series, including upcoming living books or how to become a living book, please contact Gail at 250-428-4141 or email gail@crestonlibrary.com.